This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment known as Lenvatinib. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it is given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on Lenvatinib are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is Lenvatinib treatment?
Lenvatinib is a cancer treatment which is given as capsules. It works by stopping a particular type of cancer cell from growing.
Why am I having Lenvatinib?
Your doctor has recommended Lenvatinib because it has been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer.
How should I take the Lenvatinib capsules?
You should take your capsules once a day with or without food. Swallow them whole with a large glass of water. You can choose what time of the day to take your capsules but it is important to take them at about the same time each day.
How many capsules will I need to take?
This will vary for each person. The amount you need to take will be clearly marked on the box.
What should I do if I forget to take my capsules?
If you miss a dose take within 12 hours.
Do not take the extra capsules when your treatment should have finished. It is important that even if you have missed any doses you should finish the treatment at the planned time.
What if I take too many capsules?
Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately for advice. The telephone numbers are at the end of the leaflet.
How should I store my Lenvatinib capsules?
You should store your capsules in their original packaging in a safe place away from children. They should be kept in a cool dry place.
Any unused capsules should be returned to the hospital Pharmacy or your local chemist for safe disposal.
How long will I need to take my Lenvatinib?
Your doctor will discuss with you how long you need to take Lenvatinib. You will usually take Lenvatinib for as long as it is helpful.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will see the specialist team regularly in clinic. Your doctor will discuss how often you will need to be reviewed.
You will have regular blood tests and we will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the treatment is affecting you.
Can I bring relatives and friends with me?
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
Are there any side effects to Lenvatinib?
As with all medicines some patients can get side effects when taking Lenvatinib. Usually these side effects are mild or moderate. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
High blood pressure
Lenvatinib can cause an increase in blood pressure in some people. Your blood pressure will need to be checked regularly during your treatment, especially when you first start taking the medication. If you have headaches, nosebleeds or feel dizzy let your doctor know. High blood pressure can usually be controlled with capsules prescribed by your doctor.
Protein in the urine
This can occur due to effects of Lenvatinib on the kidneys. It doesn’t normally cause symptoms but requires careful monitoring. Lenvatinib may be stopped if protein is found in the urine.
Diarrhoea
Some patients have diarrhoea when taking Lenvatinib, especially when you first start the treatment. This is usually mild but it is important to tell your doctor or nurse if this happens. It is important you drink 2-3 litres of fluids/ day if you have diarrhoea.
If you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone numbers are at the end of the leaflet.
Tiredness and fatigue
This treatment may make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as rest.
Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Please follow the advice on caring for your mouth in the general chemotherapy leaflet. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to prevent or clear any infection.
Hair loss
Lenvatinib should not make you lose your hair. However, a small number of people may experience some hair thinning. We have a leaflet that tells you more about coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse if you would like a copy.
Skin problems
Some patients may develop a rash. Usually this can be easily treated with some non perfumed cream or lotion. Very rarely this rash can be severe. If it is widespread or itchy, contact
Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Soreness to your hands and feet
You may experience mild pain, redness and swelling of your hands or feet. If this occurs we recommend using a non perfumed cream or lotion regularly. Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre if your hands or feet become painful
Loss of appetite
You may experience a loss of appetite and some people may feel sick whilst taking Lenvatinib but this can usually be well controlled with anti sickness medication. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine, you should stop taking your Lenvatinib
capsules and contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment. Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Bleeding
Lenvatinib may sometimes cause bleeding problems. Tell your doctor if you take any medicines that may affect bleeding, such as Aspirin, Warfarin or vitamin E. If you bruise excessively or have excessive nose bleeds, ring the chemotherapy pager. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Bowel perforation
A small number of patients can develop a small hole in the wall of the bowel (perforation). This is rare, but if you develop any abdominal pain or swelling contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice.
Heart problems
Lenvatinib treatment may cause some heart problems
If you already have a heart condition or you take any heart medication, please tell your Velindre doctor before you start treatment with Lenvatinib. We will monitor your heart by using an ECG heart trace before you start treatment and at regular clinic visits.
If at any time during your treatment you become breathless, experience fluid retention (swelling) in your arms or legs, or palpitations (heart flutter or irregular heart beat) please contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Blood clots
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Other possible side effects
Slow wound healing
Wounds may take longer to heal while you are having treatment with Lenvatinib.
Other information
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst taking Lenvatinib.
Women should not breast feed whilst taking Lenvatinib.
Can I drive whilst taking Lenvatinib?
Some people can feel very tired, slightly dizzy or have some blurred vision when they first start taking Lenvatinib. You should not drive if you experience any of these side effects. If these persist or cause any problems please talk to your doctor or nurse.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
Admission to another hospital whilst taking Lenvatinib
If you are admitted to hospital it is important that you tell them you are taking Lenvatinib capsules. You should take your Lenvatinib capsules with you to the hospital.
It is also important that you let us know that you have been admitted to another hospital. If this is within normal working hours ask the hospital to contact your consultant’s secretary at Velindre Cancer Centre. At any other time ask them to contact the chemotherapy pager. The telephone numbers are at the end of this leaflet.
Is it alright to take other medicines with Lenvatinib?
It is important to tell us about any other medicines you are taking. There are a number of medications that you must not take with Lenvatinib, including over the counter medicines. You should also tell your GP and your pharmacist that you are taking Lenvatinib, if you are prescribed medication or wish to buy over the counter.
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Useful website:
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
Ask for the treatment helpline if you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
If you need to let us know that you have been admitted to another hospital ask switchboard to transfer you to your consultant’s secretary
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Macmillan freephone Helpline 0808 808 0000
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
This information is also available in Welsh
This leaflet has been written by health professionals. The information contained in the leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
Prepared December 2016 reviewed October 2019